Just when we thought a refrigerated armrest cooler was the ultimate feature a vehicle could have, we are proven dead wrong. Innovation is key in the automotive industry, and whether those innovations are related to safety, comfort, or convenience, there’s no question that some features were the result of some very deep thinking. There are certainly automotive features almost no one uses, but there are some that make us applaud based on their sheer brilliance. For 2025, there are unique features, both real-world practical and highly technological, that change the entire experience of vehicle ownership. Here are five of the most unique car features for 2025. 

CrabWalk  – 2025 GMC Hummer EV

The Hummer’s revival brings back the massive ethos of the military-to-civilian beast to the 21st century with the exclusively plug-in electric power of the 2025 GMC Hummer EV in pickup and SUV variants ($99,045). Not only is it opulent and powerful, but it’s also almost balletic when spaces shrink. The colossal Hummer EV sometimes needs help in tight quarters. Thankfully, GMC engineers came up with a special four-wheel steering system known as CrabWalk, which enables all four wheels to turn in the same direction by up to 10 degrees. Some vehicles have four-wheel steering, but the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels for tighter turns. The Crab Walk feature allows the Hummer EV to move diagonally without altering the angle of the body. This makes navigating tight trails or cramped urban spaces with remarkable agility a breeze for something this big. It works at a maximum of 1.2 mph, so don’t think of threading the needle between two minivans on the highway. Learn more here. 

Airscarf & Aircap – 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Cabriolet

Oh, to live the convertible life. It’s wonderful when it’s warm and sunny, but not so much when the temperatures drop. Mercedes makes it possible to not look (or feel) like a shivering fool with the top down thanks to its brilliant Airscarf and Aircap that are standard in the 2025 CLE-Class Cabriolet ($66,450). The Airscarf is located in the backrests of the front seats, blowing warm air through the headrests. The nozzles can be adjusted up or down to accommodate occupants of different heights, and they automatically adjust based on interior temperatures, exterior temperatures, and the speed at which the car is traveling. It combines with the Aircap, a system that utilizes two wind deflectors, one on the trailing edge of the windscreen that can be extended at the touch of a button, and a second automatic wind deflector between the head restraints in the rear. It reduces turbulence and keeps the warm air in the cabin. Together, the system extends the top-down season and almost justifies the extra cost of the Cabriolet style. The Aircap can also be used in hot weather to keep the cabin cool when the top is down. Learn more here. 

Integrated Child Seat – 2025.5 Volvo XC90

Midway through the year, Volvo refreshed its XC90 ($59,745) three-row mild hybrid steed with updates to its front fascia, as well as an updated dashboard, better sound-deadening, revised suspension tuning, and a new 11.2-inch infotainment screen. The brand remains all about safety with numerous innovations. Case in point, their ingenious Integrated Child Seat. This isn’t some new feature, as Volvo created its first one in 1990 and modified it in 2007 to accommodate the varying heights of children. Moreover, the seat is meant to eliminate the risk that seat belt slack creates when using a separate aftermarket booster seat. Just pull it up from the adult position, and it locks into place. There’s no extra equipment required, and it easily retracts for grown-ups. More carmakers should implement this brilliant idea. Learn more here. 

30-Way Perfect Position Seats – 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label

There are good car seats, and then there are great ones. The 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label ($116,495) has standard 30-Way Perfect Position Seats that are easily the latter. Since everyone’s body is different, the Perfect Position Seats’ level of customization can accommodate just about anyone. Inspired by executive office and private jet seats, Perfect Position Seats are aptly named. There are two sections on the seat upper, one that supports the shoulders and the other that provides suspension for the back. The power thigh bolsters are divided into right and left sections that can be extended, raised, and lowered individually. The bolsters for the shoulders, back, and cushion can also be adjusted separately. The power headrest can even move up/down as well as forward/back. Lincoln also includes heating and ventilation, as well as the Active Motion customizable massage feature. These are the car seats that you’ll never want to get out of. Learn more here. 

Gear Tunnel Storage – 2025 Rivian R1T 

The 2025 Rivian R1T ($69,900) is one of the most innovative pickup trucks, and not just because it’s fully electric. The R1T provides up to 420 miles of range on a full charge and as much as 1,050 horsepower from four electric motors. But it’s more than just an electric powerhouse; it’s a storage master. Due to the lack of a transmission tunnel like gas vehicles, the R1T makes use of its space with a Gear Tunnel Storage section that opens up both sides of the vehicle to 11.7 cubic feet of separated storage. It’s 65 inches long, watertight, and even has a rubberized high-traction lining, so you can store muddy and sloppy gear without fear of messing up the cabin. It also features 120V and 12V ports, LED lights, and compartment doors that can hold 250 pounds for convenient seating. Learn more here. 

Final thoughts

These special car features, both standard and optional, are excellent examples of innovative thinking in the automotive industry. While none of these five features is required to properly operate a vehicle, they’re fantastic to have. From retractable booster seats to pass-through gear storage, these ingenious features change the car ownership experience for the better. We can’t wait to see what carmakers will think of next.